The five sheaths which cover the individual self.

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The real "I" is surrounded by five layers of covers. The grossest one is "Annamaya kosa" which gets nourishment through the food we eat. The next one is "Pranamaya" which is the seat of vital airs that is inside our body. They are the Prana, Apana, Vyana, Udana, and Samana. Each one is entrusted with one function of the body. It is because of the movement of vital airs in our body, we are able to breath, digest, excricate etc. The movement of blood through the artiries etc are made possible due to the function of air. Also the heart beats due to the circulation of the air and electrical impulses. Next layer is "Manomaya". All the thoughts, imaginations, discrimination, resolutions and other emotions and feelings are the functions of Manomaya kosa. Next two layers, "Vignana Maya kosa and Ananda Maya kosa are beyond the individual. They connect the individual to the Atma or Super Self. Hence in order to realise our true nature, we must go beyond the first three layers which bind man to the earth. Only when we transcend the 3 thick layers, we can infer the greatness of Vignana maya and Ananda Maya kosas. We are mostly in the physical or mental level. Hence Yogis do such practices to transcend the 3 main sheaths. Sairam. But let us not worry about all these. Simply surrender yourself to the Guru Sai who will take you safely beyond the 3 layers. Sairam.